Page 1: Hyde's Dangerous Portrayal
Robert Louis Stevenson employs various literary techniques to present Hyde as evil and dangerous in "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde". The author's use of vivid imagery and symbolism creates a palpable sense of unease and fear surrounding Hyde's character.
Quote: "hardly human" and "like some damned Juggernaut"
These descriptions in Chapter 1 paint Hyde as a monstrous, unstoppable force, emphasizing his inhuman nature and the danger he poses.
Highlight: Stevenson's use of vivid imagery is particularly effective in creating a sense of horror and revulsion towards Hyde.
The author describes Hyde as "small and crouching" with a face that "gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation". This unsettling portrayal sets Hyde apart from normal humans, warning readers of his dangerous nature.
Foreshadowing plays a crucial role in hinting at Hyde's menace. The scene where Hyde tramples a young girl uses pathetic fallacy, with mist reflecting the moral ambiguity of the situation. Hyde's lack of remorse foreshadows his soulless, dangerous nature.
Quote: "I had a glimpse of a kind of evil - Jekyll was compositely human... Hyde was pure evil"
This statement by Enfield in Chapter 2 uses juxtaposition to contrast Jekyll and Hyde, reinforcing Hyde's portrayal as a figure of pure evil.
Literary devices in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde chapter 1: Repetition is used to build disgust towards Hyde, as seen in Enfield's description: "there is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something down-right detestable".
The metaphor of Hyde and Jekyll as "two sides of the same coin" emphasizes their duality and the danger posed by Jekyll's inability to control his transformation into Hyde.
